THE MUST-DO LISBON ITINERARY | A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best of Lisbon by "Lisbon Lux"

DAY 1 - Classic and Monumental Lisbon

 

 

Start in Avenida da Liberdade, the city's big central boulevard. Although primarily known for its luxury shops and hotels, it's a great introduction to the city with its traditional pavement designs and ending at Restauradores Square where you'll find a tourism office in case you need any information before you start sightseeing. Just steps away is the landmark Rossio Station with its unusual façade, and Rossio Square, the heart of the city. It's faced by the neoclassical National Theater and it's where the Portuguese cobblestone pavement designs were born (these similar wave patterns are now famous in former Portuguese colonies like in Rio de Janeiro's beaches). Past the baroque fountains you reach Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street usually animated by street artists.

Before you reach the triumphal arch at the end of the street, step into the Design & Fashion Museum. It's free and even if you have no particular interest in the subject, you'll enjoy seeing the creativity of international designers from the recent past and present. Go through the triumphal arch and you're now at Comercio Square which opens to the river. Take a break on the terrace of the cafés or at Cais das Colunas, the quayside area across the road.

Now re-energised, head to the bus stop in front of the arch and wait for tram 15 that takes you to Belém. Several stops later you'll find yourself in front of Jeronimos Monastery. It's a World Heritage monument, and although the church interior with Vasco da Gama's elaborate tomb is impressive, the main attraction is the cloister which is a marvel of stone carving. Back down the street you'll see the Pasteis de Belém café where you can have one (or several) of Lisbon's famous custard tarts.

Nearby you may also choose to see the fairytale carriages of the Coaches Museum, or may continue back in front of Jeronimos Monastery and check out the modern art by names like Andy Warhol, Picasso and Dali in the Berardo Museum of Modern Art. Then cross the road using the underpass in front of the garden to reach the landmark Discoveries Monument. Portugal's famous explorers are gigantically sculpted in stone, and from the top are views of the river and surrounding monuments. That includes Belém Tower, the following destination. It's Lisbon's most iconic monument and you should take some time to admire its architectural details. Have lunch at one of the several restaurants with outdoor tables, then take tram 15 or a bus back to downtown.

Your stop should be Comercio Square, where you should once again go through the triumphal arch, this time down three blocks to Rua da Conceição for the stop of the popular tram 28. Take the tram up the hill (you may also walk if your legs can still take it), and your next stop is the Portas do Sol viewpoint. Take photos from this terrace overlooking the city's oldest and most characteristic neighborhood, then walk back up to the castle. You'll be standing over the city and can rest among peacocks and breathtaking views. After that you may head back to the Portas do Sol terrace, the starting point for an Alfama walking tour which will take you on a picturesque journey back in time through village-like medieval streets.

Finally, you deserve a good dinner in a beautiful setting, so take a taxi (very inexpensive in Lisbon) to Docas de Santo Amaro. It's a dock under the monumental 25 de Abril Bridge with several restaurants facing a marina, the perfect ending to your day.

DAY 2 - Contemporary Lisbon

Your day should start back in Rossio Square,
where you then head to Rua do Carmo, a shopping street that's the gateway to the city's most elegant and trendiest districts, Chiado and Principe Real. You'll pass by well-known international brands but as you walk up Rua Garrett you'll see other local treasures like the world's oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand. A little further up is the Café Brasileira where everyone stops for coffee in the company of a statue of poet Fernando Pessoa. Another poet is remembered in Camões Square just steps away, and if you continue up the hill you'll reach the city's most photographed street -- Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. An already beautiful, colorful street descending the hill towards the river is made even more picturesque with the presence of a historic funicular which makes an unavoidable tourist stop. Continue down the street for your first of two monuments recalling the time when Portugal glittered with Brazilian gold. Entering Santa Catarina Church is unexpectedly stepping into a rich profusion of golden carvings and stucco decoration which never fails to impress.

But even more astonishing is the interior of São Roque Church, reached by walking back towards Camões Square then up Rua da Misericórdia. It consists of several extraordinary chapels, including "the world's most expensive" which is a masterpiece of European art. What look like paintings are actually detailed mosaics surrounded by precious materials and that alone would make a visit here worthwhile. Continue up the hill and you'll reach one of Lisbon's most beautiful and most romantic spots, the viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara. Have a drink at the kiosk cafés or perhaps you'd like to sample glasses of Portugal's world-famous port wine at the Port Wine Institute, a classy bar facing the viewpoint.

Then continue up Rua Dom Pedro V, a trendy shopping street with galleries and cafés (where you can pause for a meal) that leads to a landscaped square, Praça do Príncipe Real surrounded by colorful mansions. Take a break under the gigantic umbrella-like tree then continue up the street, now called Rua da Escola Politécnica. It's lined with more attractive shops, and at the end you'll reach the Rato metro station. Take it all the way to Oriente Station (by changing to the red line halfway into your journey), where you'll be in Lisbon's showcase of contemporary architecture. On your way notice the art decorating most of the stations, and take some time to admire the exterior of Oriente Station, designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

Here everyone is drawn to the Vasco da Gama mall (especially for its food court), and to the underwater world of the Oceanarium. Notice the pavement designs surrounding the building, and from there, on the riverfront, you can take a boardwalk called Passeio das Tágides that will give you a picture-perfect perspective of all the contemporary architecture and of Europe's longest bridge.

Back at Oriente Station you can once again take the metro to either the must-see Gulbenkian Museum or the Tile Museum. The Gulbenkian is reached at the end of the red line at São Sebastião Station, while for the Tile Museum you can go all the way to Santa Apolónia Station then take bus 794, or simply a taxi.


For dinner, choose one of the many restaurants in Bairro Alto or head to Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. This pedestrian street is lined with tourist restaurants but there are a handful that are actually well recommended. End your night at the charismatic Pavilhão Chinês bar with a cocktail or at any of the other most beautiful bars in the city.

DAY 3 - Great Escapes    

You haven't been to Lisbon if you haven't been to Sintra. This royal retreat is Lisbon's fantasy land, home to fairytale palaces surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. The must-see is Pena Palace (Europe's first romantic palace predating Bavaria's famous Neuschwanstein) and the spellbinding Moorish Castle nearby. Other extraordinary constructions include the esoteric Regaleira Palace and the exotic Monserrate Palace, but if you visit only one other palace besides Pena, make it the National Palace in the center of town. Known for its gigantic chimneys, it's one of Europe's oldest medieval palaces.

Sintra can be reached in less than 40 minutes from Lisbon's central Rossio Station and although you can spend an entire day exploring its fantastic monuments, you can also end your day at the beach. Back in Lisbon, take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais. You can watch the sun set on the Atlantic or may even get your feet wet. If weather does not permit sunbathing there are a couple of noteworthy cultural attractions like the Castro Guimarães Museum and the Paula Rego Museum. Walking along the sea you'll eventually reach Estoril, home to Europe's largest casino (less over-the-top and classier than the typical American or Chinese casino).

You can dine in Cascais or Estoril, or head back to Lisbon to check out one of the restaurants of its top chefs. After dinner have a drink above the city at one of the rooftop bars and terraces.

DAY 4 - The Soul of Lisbon    

Now that you saw the city's main landmarks, get to know the city itself. You can't leave Lisbon without experiencing what makes it unique and you should also devote some time to focusing on your personal interests. The must-do is a tour on tram 28, and this time you should start the day in Camões Square where you should head in the direction of Estrela Basilica. After visiting its interior and taking a fresh breath at the Estrela Garden across from it, step back into tram 28 now heading in the opposite direction, and go all the way to the Monastery of St. Vincent. You'll be impressed by its tile collection and by the views from its terrace, then begin your own personal Lisbon experience:
Royal Extravagance: If you enjoyed Sintra you may want to visit Lisbon's Ajuda Palace or go outside the city to visit the colossal Mafra Palace or the elegant Queluz Palace.
The Age of Discovery: If you're curious about Lisbon's pioneering role in world exploration, don't miss the Ancient Art Museum and you may also enjoy the Maritime Museum, the Orient Museum and the complete Vasco da Gama tour.
Green Lisbon: If you enjoyed the beach in Cascais you may also enjoy the fresh air in Lisbon's parks and gardens, many of which contain plants and trees from all over the world, dating from Portugal's colonial times.
The Scenic City: There isn't another city more scenic than Lisbon, so if you enjoyed the views from Portas do Sol and São Pedro de Alcântara, look for the many other viewpoints in the city for photos, relaxation and inspiration.
Tile Hunting: If you developed a taste for the singularity of Lisbon's tile art and especially if you want to take some souvenirs, check out the city's top tile attractions and shops.
Shop 'til You Drop: Shopping in Lisbon is a cultural experience. The city offers many original products and spaces that maintain the charm of yesteryear. Most are found in Chiado and Baixa, and you may want to visit the city's most beautiful shops (such as "A Vida Portuguesa" and "Confeitaria Nacional"). The world-famous luxury soaps, cork design and ceramics are the best buys.
The Local Flavors: You don't have to be a gastronomy enthusiast to want to take some time to enjoy Lisbon's cuisine. In addition to the famous pastries, look for original drinks and wines at the cafés, wine bars and restaurants where you can also discover "petiscos," a Portuguese version of what the world has come to know as "tapas." Either at star-chef restaurants or at a traditional neighborhood eatery, find the best spots to satisfy your taste buds. Finally, you may also want to check out the charming gourmet shops downtown.
The Fado: Listening to Fado music is an essential Lisbon experience. This World Heritage musical style is really an emotive recital of poems which you don't need to understand the words to feel. Although most are touristy, Lisbon's "Fado houses" are memorable places to end your visit to the city, making you leave with the understanding of the nostalgic feeling of "saudade."

MORE DAYS


Most people only have 3 or 4 days to visit the city, but if you're on a longer stay you may split a couple of the days above into two. You may for example spend an entire day in Sintra and another in Cascais or dedicate two whole days to following your personal interests and going off the beaten path. Another option is to split the first suggested day into two, as you can easily stay all day in Belém and another around the castle and Alfama.

Many also choose to use Lisbon as a base for exploring some of Portugal's major attractions easily accessible from the capital, such as Évora and Óbidos.

Article by Lisbonlux

BmyGuest @ b.muu - Concept Burger

When you travel, you eat, you taste, so.....let's talk about a Burguer Boutique?

Yes, like those where you go, and choose something special for you. In this case, we talk about a very special Burguer Boutique in Lisbon, in a friendly neighborhood (Campo de Ourique), b.muu. There you can choose fresh burguers, homemade potatoes, some caramel cookies (you really have to try it), and some other special products, and just go home (they tell you how to do it), see your daily travel photos and videos, and taste them.

They have burguers (100 % portuguese cow) of all kinds: classic ones, concept, explore and paralelepipedos. You must try  roquefort one, truffle, mustard, foie onion chutney,  and if you miss some countries, they have an indian, mexican, italy, greek and of course Portugal burguer. 

You just have to cook them, and taste it.

I almost forgot,  if you don't want to walk, just call them, and they have a service, that deliver to you, at your adress in Lisbon.

BmyGuest @ b.muu

Adress: Rua Quatro de Infantaria 7-d, 1350-266 Lisboa

Phone: (+351) 21 195 23 02

Mobie: (+351) 91 268 84 88

Email: geral@b-muu.com

Website: www.b-muu.com

5 Alternatives to the Beach in Lisbon

If you’re looking to catch some sun in Lisbon but prefer to stay in the center of the city instead of heading to the coast, here are a few spots to get your Lisbon tan:

CAIS DAS COLUNAS The wharf that the monumental Comercio Square opens into once welcomed travelers to the city when they arrived by boat. Now it’s a magnet for everyone to rest as they go around the city admiring its scenic beauty. Some tourists even get their feet wet, others take photos with 25 de Abril Bridge as the backdrop, and others end up spending a couple of hours just sitting enjoying the serenity of Lisbon’s refreshing Atlantic location.

DOCAS These tourist-friendly docks offer more than postcard views and several places to eat. They’re also the place to relax on the waterfront, watching the cruise ships go by, admiring the boats and doing some sun worshipping.

BELÉM GARDENS Lisbon’s most visited neighborhood is known for its monuments, but Belém is also a place to relax between sightseeing on the lawns between all the landmarks. Whether closer to Belem Tower or already by the shadow of 25 de Abril Bridge, you’ll see tourists and locals laying in the sun and being cooled off by the ocean breeze.

PORTAS DO SOL Not only is it one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints with one of its most inviting terrace cafes, it’s also a great spot to stand in the sun. Instead of the Atlantic you have the river Tagus in front of you, but with the loungy music of the café playing in the background you can imagine yourself relaxing at a summer resort.

NECESSIDADES PARK Once the private picnic park of Portugal’s kings, this green oasis is now hidden in the center of the city and largely deserted despite being open to all. It’s found behind a gate next to a palace that is now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and when the sun is shining you’ll often see couples or small groups of people in their beachwear working on their tans. There are many other parks in the city where you can do that but this is where you’ll feel like you’re in your own private garden.

10 Lisbon Outdoor Sightseeing Activities for the Summer

It’s now June which means that from now until October, Lisbon will be sunny about 90%of the time. When visiting the city at this time, touring museums feels less appealing and you’ll likely be drawn to the great outdoors. Lisbon is perfect for that, with a marvelous setting: It has a river that many mistaken for the ocean, hills creating an amphitheater-like landscape best admired from the top of its castle, and terraces scattered around offering panoramic vistas. In between you’ll discover charming gardens, monuments offering views, and the approaching breeze of the Atlantic. Here are 10 ideas for what to do in the open air this summer in Lisbon:

1. RELAX IN PRINCIPE REAL’S GARDENS
The Principe Real neighborhood is one of Lisbon’s most charming residential areas, and its main square has just reopened last week after months of renovation. That square is actually a garden and you can sit under a gigantic “umbrella tree,” try one of the city’s traditional drinks at a kiosk café, and admire the architectural details of the colorful buildings of the surroundings. Go down the hill and you reach Praça das Flores, perhaps Lisbon’s most romantic corner. It’s never mentioned in guidebooks, but this small, shaded square has a couple of the city’s most inviting cafés with outdoor tables, including the new “Novamesa Snack Bar,” an extention of the recent Nova Mesa restaurant. Back up the hill is the enchanting Botanical Garden.

2. STROLL DOWN THE BOULEVARD
Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s mile-long “Champs Elysées,” a boulevard know for its luxury shops, theaters, and cafés. A new Prada store is opening this week in one of its most beautiful buildings, and you can do some window-shopping as you go down the avenue admiring the city’s trademark mosaic pavements and stop to take a look at the many scattered statues, all the way to the city’s biggest park. Edward VII Park goes up a hill and once you reach the top you’re rewarded with a postcard-view of the city.

3. STAND IN THE RENOVATED RIVERFRONT COMÉRCIO SQUARE
As GoLisbon reported, Lisbon’s biggest and most monumental square has just been renovated. The planned cafés will only be open in September or October, but you can sit by the river, at Cais das Colunas, a quayside area with two large columns marking the entrance to the city from the Tagus. From here you can admire the square and its triumphal arch, and sit as you watch the ferries cross the river, and see the landmark 25 de Abril Bridge and the Monument to Christ in the distance.

4. CATCH SOME SUN FROM THE ROOFTOPS OF ALFAMA’S MAIN MONUMENTS
The National Pantheon and St. Vincent’s Monastery are both located in Alfama just steps from each other, and besides both being painted in shining white, they both offer rooftop terraces for city views. You can stop to check your guidebook or simply stay admiring the city as you work on your tan.

5. GO MIRADOURO-HOPPING IN ALFAMA
Alfama is Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhood and it’s always best enjoyed outdoors. It forces even the laziest walkers to go up and down its cobbled streets, and the reward are its terrace viewpoints. Three of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city are located within walking distance from each other, and they allow you to do some sightseeing as you enjoy your sunny summer days. Start in Miradouro de Santa Luzia, go up to Miradouro das Portas do Sol (stop for a drink at its fantastic terrace café), and continue up the hill to Miradouro da Graça where you won’t be able to put your camera down.

6. STAND BY THE LAUNCH PAD OF THE DISCOVERIES
Florida’s Cape Canaveral is the launch pad for the exploration of space today, but five centuries ago the launch pad for the exploration of planet Earth was Lisbon’s Belém district. That’s where you’ll find the city’s three biggest landmarks, the Discoveries Monument, the Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery. Starting at the monastery, walk west along the waterfront to admire the architecture and stone work of the other two monuments, and picture Vasco da Gama departing on his way to discovering the maritime route to the East or Pedro Alvares Cabral on his way to discoverig South America.

7. GO BACK TO THE FUTURE IN PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES
Lisbon’s waterfront is not just about the voyages of the past. At the former site of 1998′s World Fair you now find a modern residential and business district with futuristic architecture. You may see all of it from a bird’s-eye perspective on a cable car ride, or walking along the riverfront from one of the world’s biggest aquariums all the way to a Dubai-like tower, Torre Vasco da Gama. In between you’ll see lawns and gardens inviting you for a picnic.

8. CRUISE DOWN THE TAGUS
With so many walks by the river you’ll probably end up wishing you were in it. You may do that by taking a sightseeing cruise which departs every afternoon from the center of the city and goes all the way to Belém and Parque das Nações. Be sure to take your camera, especially when you pass under 25 de Abril Bridge and see Vasco da Gama Bridge at the end of the journey. Get complete cruise details here: Tagus River Cruise.

9. GO ON A PHOTOGRAPHY WALKING TOUR
By now you probably already know that Lisbon is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities which is why it’s so loved by photographers. Even if you have very little talent and don’t aspire to become one, you’ll enjoy a walking tour where photographing the city is the theme. Your attention will be guided to all the details that make Lisbon so special, from the tiled façaded to the cobbled mosaics, to the surprising views along the way.

10. TAKE THE CASCAIS-ESTORIL BOARDWALK
Lisbon may have a Mediterranean look and feel, but this is actually a very Atlantic city. Its river opens to the ocean from the Belém district to the seaside towns of Cascais and Estoril. Known as “the Portuguese Riviera,” these are two chic resorts which are connected by a beachfront boardwalk. You’ll find pretty villas, marinas, small coves, and Europe’s largest casino but on a sunny day nothing will make you leave the boardwalk with occasional stops for a drink at a beachfront café or some sunbathing on the sand.

10 Spots for Romance in Lisbon

If you choose Lisbon as your destination for the most romantic day of the year, or if you find yourself in the city with your loved one at any other time of the year, there are several spots you should not miss. Here are ten of them:

Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara
Forget the long name, and just remember that this is the garden-terrace also known as Bairro Alto’s viewpoint. The castle can be seen right ahead, as well as the river and a perfect backdrop for a photo of the two of you.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol
No one can resist stopping here to take pictures and admire the view. There are several viewpoints in the Alfama district but this one is perhaps the most breathtaking and arguably the city’s most beautiful.

Santa Justa Elevator
It’s one of the city’s main landmarks but this early-20th-century elevator is worth riding not just for the experience but also for the view from the top. You’ll both feel high in the clouds.

Belém Riverfront
Belém Tower is the city’s most-photographed monument and a reminder of the great voyages of Discovery when it served as a beacon to many of Portugal’s famous explorers. Now let it be the starting point of a romantic walk along the riverfront, past another city landmark, the Discoveries Monument, perhaps all the way to Docas de Santo Amaro below the monumental 25 de Abril Bridge.

Tropical Garden
Very few people visit this lovely garden and that makes a couple of hours here even more worthwhile. You’ll have it almost all for yourself, with just the variety of trees and a few swans for company.

St. George’s Castle
The city’s oldest monument is where you’ll both feel at the top of the world or the king and queen of the castle, admiring Lisbon from a bird’s-eye perspective on the ramparts.

Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte
The city’s youth prefers to hang out at the café of Miradouro da Graça nearby, but walk up the hill a little further and you’ll arrive at this viewpoint with a breathtaking view of the city. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll both feel blessed by the image of the Virgin on the site, and will want to sit and relax in each other’s company (and in that of other couples too).

Pena Palace
One of Europe’s first and most important romantic constructions, this must-see fairytale is found right outside Lisbon in one of Europe’s most enchantic towns, Sintra.

Tram 25
You’ll see tram 28 recommended in every guidebook, but it’s usually so packed with tourists, that a charming experience is often irritating. So skip the 28 and hop on the 25. Its route is not as long or picturesque, but you’ll likely have more space and be able to better enjoy the romantic ride on these vintage wood-paneled vehicles.

Parque das Nações Promenade
The walk along the riverfront in Belém is romantic enough, but do the same here on the opposite side of town, in the Parque das Nações district. This 21st century neighborhood offers cable car rides for panoramic views, but you may also follow the boardwalk, past futuristic architecture, gardens and lawns, all the way to Europe’s longest bridge.

5 things to do in Lisbon in March and April

If you’ll be in Lisbon in the next few weeks, there are some special events you may want to catch. Most of them happen every year, so if you return next year at this time, you’ll also be able to attend them. Those are film, music, and gastronomic festivals, but at the moment there is also a special art exhibition and the river cruises that start at this time of year and are offered throughout the summer months.

“MONSTRA” – THE ANIMATED FILM FESTIVALFrom March 21st to the 27th, this animated film festival will present long, short and “very short” features mostly from Europe, Asia and the United States. Most of the screenings will take place in the São Jorge cinema in Avenida da Liberdade, in the Cinema City Alvalade theater, and at the Gulbenkian Foundation. You can find all of the addresses and complete information on the website (click above).
http://www.monstrafestival.com/2011/

“FISH & FLAVOURS”Lisbon’s biggest gastronomic festival will happen on the 7th of April this year, and lasts until the 17th. As always, its theme is the art of cooking fish, and although full details haven’t yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that 13 restaurants and 12 chefs will be part of the event which will take place in the new Patio da Galé in Comercio Square.
http://www.peixemlisboa.com/

“DIAS DA MÚSICA”This year’s “music days” are April 15th, 16th and 17th. It’s an annual event celebrating Spring with a marathon of classical sounds. In total there will be 65 concerts in seven different spaces of the Belem Cultural Center, and tickets cost between 3.50 and 10 euros, depending on the auditorium. This year’s theme is Western music from “between the death of Richard Wagner and the end of WWII.”

THE GOLDEN AGE OF PORTUGUESE PAINTINGWe said it was one of the things to do last December, but this exhibition has been extended to April 23rd. It’s being shown in the Ancient Art Museum, and it’s a collection of works from between 1450 and 1550, the time when Portugal was mapping most of the globe.
If you go on a Sunday until 2PM, you may see it all for free.

RIVER CRUISESFrom April until the end of October you can always see Lisbon from the river. Take a cruise that goes past the city’s main monuments and under 25 de Abril Bridge, for some fantastic photos to always remember your trip.

10 Reasons why you should travel to Lisbon

CULTURE: It's one of the world's great historical cities, with characteristic and surprising sights, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that make it a paradise for walkers and photographers.
VALUE: It's one of Europe's best values, officially Western Europe's least expensive capital.
LOCATION: It's the closest European capital to the United States and just around a 2-hour flight from all the other major European cities.
CLIMATE: Its mild climate makes it an ideal year-round destination. Even in winter, when most other European cities are freezing, in Lisbon high temperatures rarely go below 10C (50F).
RESORT: It is the only European capital located so close to sandy beaches, enabling visitors to combine culture with fun by the sea.
SIZE: It's a compact and intimate city, ideal for a short city break or a longer romantic stay, with a lively café culture and a nightlife that is one of the most vibrant in Europe.
VARIETY: Its surroundings offer an incredible variety of tourist attractions, from fairytale palaces in one of Europe's most romantic towns (Sintra), to world-class golf and fun in Europe's largest casino in Estoril, to surfing in Cascais or escaping to a natural park in Arrábida, to dolphin-watching in Setúbal.
GATEWAY: It makes a perfect base to explore many of Portugal's most outstanding towns and villages, from Evora to Obidos.
SAFETY: It's one of the safest European capitals. Tourists are always automatic targets in all big cities and visitors should beware of pickpocketing in Lisbon, but serious random violent crime is practically unheard of in this city.
WELCOMING: It's a friendly city with a cosmopolitan population, welcoming to all visitors and families with children, and open to minorities and alternative lifestyles.